Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns inclusion of ports of Berdiansk, Mariupol in list of Russian ports, urges IMO to respond

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the inclusion of the seaports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol in the list of ports of the Russian Federation and urges the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to immediately draw their attention to this violation, the press service of the Ministry reported.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns and considers null and void the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated August 22, 2025, which unlawfully included the seaports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol in the list of ports of the Russian Federation open to foreign vessels. Such actions constitute yet another attempt by Russia to legitimize its occupation and consolidate illegal control over Ukrainian territories," the Ministry said.

According to the report, this decision constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrines the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states; the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which establishes Ukraine’s exclusive competence in regulating navigation within its territorial waters; and resolutions of the UN General Assembly that reaffirm Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders and condemn Russia’s ongoing aggression.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to immediately draw the attention of all Member States to the need for strict compliance with IMO Assembly Resolution A.1183(33) of 4 December 2023, “Impact of the Russian Armed Invasion of Ukraine on International Shipping”, which calls upon Member States to inform flag carrying vessels, shipowners, operators, and insurance brokers on the necessity to refrain from violating the regime of closed seaports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.

The ministry also called on the IMO to recommend that Member States, within their national jurisdiction and international obligations, take appropriate measures against vessels that breach this regime.

Ukraine calls on its partners to impose additional restrictive measures against all Russian natural persons and legal entities, as well as foreign companies involved in commercial activities in the seaports of Berdiansk and Mariupol, and against vessels entering ports located in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

"Russia’s gross violation of international law concerning closed ports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine requires an adequate response by the international community, including the introduction of restrictive measures against Russian ports, in particular those used to support Russia’s war machine," the Ministry said.

Earlier, the Center for Transport Strategies reported that such an order was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.